Off The Record

Chapter 1

"Be careful about how you approach him. He can be very... persuasive." I couldn't help but chuckle a little at his words.

"I think the word persuasive would be an understatement to describe him."

"That is why we brought you here. Even though you're new, we believe you are the least receptive to his influences. We believe you can correct him."

"There is no correcting a man like him, I can only help him."

The Warden nodded knowingly in response. There was a long and intense silence before I excused myself to go use the restroom. My breathing became heavier with each step. I leaned the palm of my hands against the white bathroom sink. My head was spinning from the anxiety. I quickly splashed some water on my freckled face while quickly running my hands through my curls. I looked up at the mirror only to see a pair of bloodshot eyes staring back at me. I quivered a little at the sight as I noticed dark circles encasing my veiny red orbs. I took a deep breath before putting my glasses back on. I was scared, scared of failing, or worse becoming the next Dr. Hallens.

I quickly reassured myself otherwise before that dark thought began to take shape. When I came back inside the room the warden stood up in his chair and motioned me to follow him. I followed quickly behind him, trying to fix my white collared shirt and tie. I smirked a little at my actions, realizing I didn't need to fix myself for Arcane city's number one madman. As we walked down what seemed to be a never ending hallway we made a right and saw a mostly white room. He couldn't see us but we could see him,which was evident because he made no movements when we arrived. It was Dante.

He was in a white chair, handcuffed, wearing an orange jumpsuit. His black hair was gelled back. He also had a shit ton of tattoos which wasn't really surprising. His feet were propped on the right end of the table, and his cuffed hands in his lap as he leaned the rest of his body lazily on the chair. Dante's handcuffs connect to a chain which was drilled to the floor. I let out a sigh of relief. His coal black eyes stared at the floor in boredom, yet they still seemed to leave hints of intent. "This is your stop, Dr. Lorens," the Warden said, unlocking the door carefully.

There were about 8 guards just around the white room alone, and yet he still opened the door like it was Pandora's Box.

"Thanks" I replied before entering.

The Warden quickly placed his hand over mine and looked at me with worry painted over his face. "Just... be careful doctor."

I looked up at him reassuringly. "Don't worry I will be." He nodded and slowly left as if he was still unsure about the whole situation. I took a deep breath and quickly opened the door and sat down. I was now face to face with Dante. There was no backing down now.

"Someones a little nervous" I immediately saw him staring at my thumb which was furiously tapping on my thighs. I quickly stopped and sat down, clearing my throat.

"So we're gonna be having these co--"

"Ya know," Dante said, interrupting me and starting a completely different conversation. "The last time I was here I met a lovely gal, she was a piece of work to say the least." He chuckled, its sinister undertones filling the room. "You ever been in love, Freckles?" I just sat in my chair, arms folded, waiting for him to stop so I could actually begin my work. "Tough crowd, tough crowd. "You ever been in lust?" I started to squirm in my chair from his uncomfortable question. I quickly averted my gaze and cleared my throat. He looked down at me with a sinister smile. He began to chuckle and pushed a few stray hairs out of his face "Bingo" I shivered a little. "Look Freckles, if anyone's gonna pick my brain apart with these psycho analytics I'd rather it be from someone I know. Someone with secrets."

"What makes you think I have secrets Mr. Dante?" I could feel the tension in the room begin to rise.

"Everyone has secrets, and I have a feeling yours are... interesting." I let out a hum in response, while letting him finish his antics. "Plus psychologists tend to be crazier than their patients."

"I think this one is an exception." I scoffed

"I wouldn't be so sure of that if I were you. I mean you're already scared of me, scared of what I can do to you." He licked his lips slowly and menacingly. He began to tilt his head and smile the most devious and mischievous smile. A smile that would give the devil chills. Even though he was the one in chains, I still felt like he was in control. Dante took his feet off the table and leaned in, still in his chair. As he moved closer to me I slowly began to back up. He let out a slow smirk and leaned back. The same devious grin on his face as he chuckled.

I was quickly getting more and more impatient from his antics. I was desperate to steer the conversation, I just needed to find a way to do so. My eyes widened with an idea and a smirk arose on my face. "So you like secrets?" he tilted his head in interest. He gave me a look as to say go on, so I did. "With each session we have I'll trade you a secret?"

"Well let's settle on some terms then." I shifted in my chair while cursing myself. "First, it needs to be a secret of... substance. Second, it has to be real. I'll know if you're lying. I want a good secret worth listening to." Why the fuck did I come up with this.

"I get to say my secret at whatever point in the session and it can only be revealed when you're cooperating"

"Agreed Freckles"

I couldn't back down. Even though I hated this idea it would be the only way I could get him to actually talk and not just spew nonsense during our sessions. I again shifted in my chair and re-adjusted my glasses. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and took a deep breath. "Hi, I'm Eric Lorens, but you can just call me Dr. Lorens. I am your psychiatrist and I'm here to help. Now tell me, what's on your mind?"